Enyobeni tavern owners expected to fight guilty verdict

Se-Anne Rall|Published 1 year ago

Enyobeni tavern owners Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu has been found guilty on charges levelled against them after 21 youngsters died at a pens down party at their establishment in June 2022. File picture: Bheki Radebe / Independent Newspapers

Enyobeni tavern owners, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, found guilty of selling alcohol to teenagers at a fatal pens down party in June 2022, are expected to fight the court’s ruling.

The East London Regional Court found the pair guilty of selling or supplying liquor to people under the age of 18.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said the pair pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them.

Tyali said Senior State Prosecutor (SPP) Thango Pangalela led evidence of nine witnesses, including two minors who survived the tragic event.

“The court agreed with SPP Pangalela's submission there was no age restriction considered for access at Enyobeni, whatsoever and the owners failed to take reasonable steps to ensure age restriction admission, in contravention of the Eastern Cape Liquor Act,” Tyali said.

Pictures from inside the Enyobeni Tavern where 21 young people died. Picture: Henk Kruger

Tyali said the case is back in court on Friday for arguments in aggravation and mitigation of sentence.

"Meanwhile, the formal inquest into the deaths of 21 young people at the Enyobeni Tavern is still to commence at the Mdantsane Regional Court," Tyali said.

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board has welcomed the judgment, and is calling for a hefty sentenced to be handed down to the couple.

IOL